Class of ‘25: Strength of the Class Part II
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The Strength of the Class series continues on as we now turn our attention to the second strongest position group from the Class of ’25 rankings. Part I featured an exceptional group of young pass rushers, and while their position group is…
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Continue ReadingThe Strength of the Class series continues on as we now turn our attention to the second strongest position group from the Class of ’25 rankings. Part I featured an exceptional group of young pass rushers, and while their position group is a tough act to follow, this second position group isn’t much of a drop-off in terms of talent and potential.
Over the past few years, the state of Kansas has produced quality quarterbacks such as Henry Martin, Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2023 State KS , DaeOnte Mitchell DaeOnte Mitchell 5'11" | 195 lbs | QB Wichita East | 2024 State KS , and many others. In a state that typically produces running backs, a new trend is starting to take place. Now the next wave of gun slingers are on the rise heading into the 2023 campaign. Tate McNew Tate McNew 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Maize South | 2025 State KS and Josh Burdick Josh Burdick 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Cheney | 2025 State KS currently headline this group, but these eight quarterbacks are prospects to keep an eye on as well. They each have a different story heading into the ‘23 campaign, and they’re likely to turn some heads as juniors.
Logan Morley Logan Morley 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB Shawnee Mission NW | 2025 State KS – Shawnee Mission NW, 6’1”, 160
The 2022 season didn’t go according to plan for Morley and the Cougars. It was a learning experience to say the least, but it is an experience that Morley will greatly benefit from. He now knows what it takes to win at the varsity level, and can build off some of the success he had as a sophomore. Morley helped lead the Cougars to three wins, and accounted for 1,076 yards of total offense and nine total touchdowns. The experience he gained in year one should translate to more confidence in year two as the starter.
Drew Kemp Drew Kemp 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2025 State KS – Maize, 5’11”, 165
Fans of the Maize Eagles will have to get used to a new face under center during the ’23 season. With Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2023 State KS moving onto Kansas State, the Eagles’ starting quarterback job will be up for grabs, and Drew Kemp Drew Kemp 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Maize | 2025 State KS looks to be one of the top candidates for the job. The sophomore had the opportunity to audition for the job during cleanup duty this past season. In his four varsity appearances, Kemp accounted for 117 yards of total offense and one rushing touchdown. He also put together a really strong season at the junior-varsity level.
Jack Cornell Jack Cornell 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Olathe East | 2025 State KS – Olathe East, 5’11”, 185
While their record may not indicate it, the Olathe East Hawks were a fairly competitive squad in 2022. They increased their win total from the year prior, and improved offensively. Part of the improvements made on offense can be attributed to the play of first-year starter, Jack Cornell Jack Cornell 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Olathe East | 2025 State KS . The Hawks averaged four more points per game with Cornell under center, and his standout play would earn him an All-Sunflower League Honorable Mention nod. Cornell and the Olathe East offense should continue to improve during his second season as the starter.
Zahmere Parks-Jackson Zahmere Parks-Jackson 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Wichita West | 2025 State KS – Wichita West, 6’0”, 180
One quarterback that is due for a bounce back year is Zahmere Parks-Jackson Zahmere Parks-Jackson 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Wichita West | 2025 State KS of Wichita West. Parks-Jackson’s sophomore campaign was cut short due to injury, which was unfortunate because the young quarterback put in a lot of work last summer. Even though he was unable to finish the season, he still managed to put together some good film. He displayed a strong poise in the pocket and delivered several accurate balls. His performance in 2022 is a small sample size, but the talent is definitely there for Parks-Jackson. With no setbacks and a full season, he could put together a breakout year.
Max Huston Max Huston 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Seaman | 2025 State KS – Seaman, 6’0”, 170
Slow starts are normal for a sophomore stepping into the starting role. But after a few weeks of varsity action, Max Huston Max Huston 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Seaman | 2025 State KS of Seaman High, really settled in and caught fire midway through the season. The sophomore strung together three straight games with over 200 yards passing and completed 68% of his passes during that stretch. All in all, Huston helped lead Seaman to a 4-4 record, and was responsible for over 1,600 yards of total offense and 19 scores. He’s currently committed to Kansas State for baseball, but don’t be surprised if he draws interest on the gridiron as well.
Ace Monihen Ace Monihen 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Council Grove | 2025 State KS – Council Grove, 6’0”, 190
Next to Tate McNew Tate McNew 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Maize South | 2025 State KS , Ace Monihen Ace Monihen 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Council Grove | 2025 State KS has the second most experience from this group of gunslingers. Monihen was thrown into action as a freshman in 2021, and although he had his struggles, that experience without a doubt helped him prepare for this past year. Council Grove and Monihen saw a major turnaround in 2022. He drastically decreased his turnovers, as he went from having 22 as freshman to having just five as a sophomore. Monihen would end the ’22 campaign with back-to-back seasons racking up over 1,400 yards of total offense, and he accounted for 25 total touchdowns as well.
Aiden Milliren Aiden Milliren 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Bishop Ward | 2025 State KS – Bishop Ward, 6’0”, 170
Typically underclassmen don’t receive much recognition compared to the upperclassmen. Especially for prospects out of the lower classification levels. But Aiden Milliren Aiden Milliren 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Bishop Ward | 2025 State KS of Bishop Ward needs to be highlighted for his solid first season as the starter for the Cyclones. In eight games under center, Milliren helped the Cyclones go 6-2, and he threw for nearly 1,400 yards with 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions. His efforts would earn him a Class 3A All-State Honorable Mention nod. It will be interesting to see if Milliren and the Cyclones continue to have success during the ’23 campaign.
Marco Rodriguez Marco Rodriguez 6'5" | 180 lbs | QB Bishop Miege | 2025 State KS – Bishop Miege, 6’4”, 175
Marco Rodriguez Marco Rodriguez 6'5" | 180 lbs | QB Bishop Miege | 2025 State KS of Bishop Miege is one of the more unknown quarterback prospects in this class. But that may not last much longer. This off-season could be huge for his exposure, as he’s already set to compete with Kansas Elite in the 7-on-7 circuit, and he’s likely to attend multiple showcases throughout the spring and summer. This competition will be beneficial for Rodriguez, as it will help with his preparation to fight for the starting quarterback job this coming fall. His 6-foot-4 frame and ability to read defenses should make him a top candidate for the job.